Devastated by the death of their mother, their two brothers and their sister, and with their father imprisoned for murder, Ginny and her little brother Charlie lose the only home they've ever known. Charlie is only eight and has a weak chest. He is taken to the workhouse before Ginny has a chance to save him. Lonely and desperate, Ginny finds work at a pie shop - until the unwanted advances of the baker leave her out on the streets. Then she remembers her father's final words - the housekeeper of Lamp Hill Hall will help her. After catching the eye of the house's mistress, she becomes a lady's maid.